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New LA Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo is settling into life in MLS, but the 31-year-old goalkeeper is hopeful that he’ll be able to earn minutes with the Galaxy soon.

The 31-year-old Panamanian international was on the bench for LA’s 3-3 draw with FC Dallas on Sunday, just days after making his Galaxy debut in the second half of the club’s 2-0 defeat to AC Milan in Guinness International Champions Cup Third Place Game. The appearance came only a day after the ‘keeper signed with the Galaxy on a free transfer.

Currently, Penedo finds himself serving as the backup to Galaxy starter Carlo Cudicini, who has started 21 of LA’s 23 matches this season. After serving as a regular for Los Canaleros and Guatemalan side Municipal for much of the last decade, it might be a bit strange for him to play a backup role, but Penedo admits that he told Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena in their very first conversation that he would be willing to wait for his chance to start.

“We went to dinner with a translator and he told me that he has followed me, and asked if I have patience. I said “yes I have patience,” Penedo told reporters after the Galaxy’s 3-3 draw in Dallas. “I want to work hard to help the team and do whatever I can for them, even being a backup is welcome.”

Where Penedo is almost certain to earn time this year is in CONCACAF Champions League play. Traditionally, Arena has opted to use his second choice ‘keeper for the CCL group stages, and he may offer Penedo his first start for the Galaxy in Tuesday’s match against Cartaginés at StubHub Center.

“We’ll see,” Arena said after the draw with FC Dallas when asked about when Penedo may take the field. “Every game is different and we’ll see.”

Expectations are considerably high for Penedo with the Galaxy and his native Panama, however, the ‘keeper is focused solely on fitting in with his new club.

“I know that the expectations are high in Panama. I’ve heard the commentaries and that’s what they want, but it is not my decision. It is my job to convince who I have to convince,” said Penedo. “I think that this week has been positive. I’m learning how to speak English and continue my job. Hopefully, things will work out.”

Landon Donovan's first goal of his hat trick against FC Dallas has been nominated for MLSsoccer.com's Goal of the Week.

The goal was a class finish by Donovan, who was sent on a diagonal run by a Robbie Keane pass. Donovan then headed the ball past Dallas goalkeeper Chris Seitz and then tapped it in to beat a hard charging Matt Hedges.

TODD DUNIVANT: "From what I've heard, those second and third were offside and they stand as goals. All three were set pieces so that's something that we clearly have to work on."

OMAR GONZALEZ: "You just wish that everyone on that field is on their game. Sometimes, not everyone is on their game, but those three guys, you want them to be on."

CARLO CUDICINI: "It's a pity. Scoring three goals away from home should be enough to win games. The last two goals were clearly offside, so sometimes it's easy to complain, but that's why in training, we try things. If we try things and guys see that it is offside then they should indicate it to the referee. Overall, at the end of the day, we have one point, which is not a bad result, but when you're 3-2 with 10 minutes to go, of course, you try to win it and get the three points.

LANDON DONOVAN: "I haven't seen any replay, but if that's the case, it's unfortunate. It's part of the game. People make mistakes. Referees certainly are humans, too; they make mistakes. Let's just hope that they weren't, but if they are, then it is what it is”

FRISCO ,Texas— LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena was left fuming after officiating appears to have led to two goals by FC Dallas that saw LA draw the Texas side 3-3.

Arena’s thoughts are below…

(On his general thoughts on the match…)

ARENA: “Terrible officiating, no question about it. However, we were in position to win the game. What more can you say? What more can you say? It’s a shame we can’t get better officiating in the game.”

(On Landon Donovan’s performance…)

ARENA: “Landon did a great job tonight. Give him a lot of credit.”

(On the Galaxy's defending on set pieces…)

ARENA: “Guys were offside. In professional games you have to assume the linesmen can make those calls. However, I’d still say that on the third goal, you’ve got to do a better job. But, you know, what can you do? This is the state of officiating. It is what it is.“

(On whether the weather played a factor...(

ARENA: “We were the team that should have won this game. It’s a shame. It really is.”

The FC Dallas defense has been conceding goals at a high rate as of late, and it won’t help that they’ll likely take on an LA Galaxy attack with Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan at the helm. The Galaxy duo was impressive during the Guinness International Champions Cup, and will be expected to test John and his fellow center back Matt Hedges with their movement on and of the ball.

MARCELO SARVAS vs. DAVID FERREIRA

The LA Galaxy’s Brazilian duo will need to put the brakes on talented Colombian playmaker David Ferreira, who has struggled at times this season. FC Dallas has struggled mightily in front of goal as of late as they have been held scoreless in their last five matches. Expect Sarvas and company to follow the recent script of Dallas’ opponents by pressuring Ferreira and preventing him from connecting with Blas Perez.

BLAS PEREZ vs. OMAR GONZALEZ

One of the most exciting battles of the evening will see these two international opponents do battle. Blas Perez is expected to use his physical tools to get under the skin of the Galaxy center backs as the Panamanian forward will attempt to force his way into dangerous positions. If Arena opts to use the same lineup against AC Milan, Omar Gonzalez will have another big body in support was Brazilian defender Leonardo will attempt to put Perez under wraps.

LA Galaxy right back Sean Franklin has made several stints up the field over his career, and if LA’s participation in the Guinness International Champions Cup is any indication, he may be asked to take up this role again this Sunday against FC Dallas.

In the Galaxy’s ICC match against AC Milan, Franklin saw time at right midfield to—by his own admission—mixed results as the team’s offense struggled to recreate their explosive success against Juve in Miami on Wednesday. However, if he is asked to reprise his role out wide against FC Dallas, the 28-year-old believes that he is ready for the responsibility.

“Bruce told me that he was going to look at me at right midfielder over the next couple of weeks and it is my job to be prepared to be able to help the team in that area," said Franklin. "I think that I did okay [against Milan], but I just have to get better at that position and work on crossing, getting the ball in dangerous spots, and just being confident about taking on guys.”

If Franklin does see time on the flank, he'll be pitted against scrappy left back Jair Benitez, who has had his share of tussles with LA over the years. Ultimately, for the Galaxy to earn three points against Dallas, Franklin believes that LA must win these types of battles.

“They’re a tough team," said Franklin. "It’s going to be a tough game, any time that we play them it’s always scrappy and it’s never the prettiest game against that team.”